lead a high-performing school

With these courses, you’re examining ‘How can I shift the way people think?’ I came away with research-based strategies I could immediately use [...] While the coursework through the CSML program provided the structure and rationale for highly effective leadership, the access to a cadre of exceptional leaders from across the world was equally beneficial as we continue to connect and navigate these challenges together.”

— Aubree M., PrincipalPeoria, Arizona

“Leading ChangeGain the skills needed to successfully drive school change and help diverse stakeholders establish priorities and improve practice.

Leading School Strategy & InnovationDevelop the skills to take a strategic approach to identifying challenges, analyzing the cause, incorporating innovation and driving whole school improvement.

Leading PeopleLearn to recruit, develop, retain, and inspire outstanding individuals and teams to deliver on the vision of the school.

Leading LearningCreate the systems and practices that build strong learning communities focused on standards-based excellence in every classroom.

15,000+ Total Enrollments

Completion RateU.S. States & Territories Represented

Satisfaction RatingCountries & Territories Represented

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CSML By the Numbers:

Lead a High-Performing School

Certificate in School Management and Leadership www.csml.gse.harvard.edu

In 2021–2022, all CSML courses will be offered in October, February, June & July. Specific dates can be found on the CSML website.

The platform itself is marvelous, leading constant collaboration with colleagues. The varied way the

“This program is exceptional. It provides exposure to real-world issues and real-world solutions, implemented and shared by current educational and business leaders.”

“material is presented, combined with a case study format as well as the requirement for personal professional reflection results in a deep understanding of the content. This is your chance to take an online class that will truly change the way you think and act...it is built that way. The combination of business and education leadership content is not only new and revolutionary but necessary and immediately useful.”

— Craig D., Assistant Principal New York City Public Schools

— Cindy S., Assistant Principal, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Join a Worldwide Community of School Leaders

Our flexible, interactive platform, powered by HBS Online, is designed to bring practitioners from around the world together in a dynamic learning experience. Build your knowledge and your network of fellow schools leaders.

Active Social Case-based

Our flexible online programs are built around three key characteristics:

What sets HBS Online apart?

World-class Harvard faculty research adapted to the PreK-12 school context

100% online and interactive

Features case studies of leaders from a diverse cross-section of schools and businesses

Develop a toolkit and solutions that are tailored to improving your school

Global peer network of school leaders

Select from four courses to develop your own learning sequence, taken at a pace that fits your schedule

For additional information, please contact Cate Gardner at [email protected].


Harvard's 'Leading Change: A CSML Course,' served as a wonderful form of professional development. While enrolled, I eagerly anticipated each module as the readings, videos and peer-interaction served as an excellent springboard for critical thought, reflection and growth.”

— Mike H., PrincipalCincinnati, Ohio

“Module 1: The Adaptive Leadership FrameworkApply a framework for building and distributing leadership, engaging and empowering others in solving your school’s most challenging problems, including those that require shifts in beliefs and practices.

Module 2: The Application of Adaptive LeadershipOperationalize the fundamental belief that the principal can and should set the culture of a school. Develop the knowledge and skills to lead a diverse school community that supports all students in reaching their potential.

Module 3: CultureLearn how to establish a sense of urgency, craft and communicate a strong vision, and actively shape your school's culture.

Module 4: EquityExplore, identify and address equity challenges by using data, and learn how to build an equitable school culture that promotes excellence for all.




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LEAD ING CHANGE


Leading Change is designed to equip school leaders with the skills they need to drive school change and help diverse stakeholders establish priorities and improve practice. Participant learning will focus on three key pillars of successful school leadership: adaptive leadership, culture, and equity.

For additional group enrollment information, please contact: Cate [email protected]

“This program is exceptional. It provides exposure to real-world issues and real-world solutions, implemented and shared by current educational and business leaders.”

— Cindy S., Assistant Principal Colorado Springs, Colorado

Learn From World-Class Faculty & A Global Community of School Leaders













Leading Change Faculty

Katherine K. MersethHarvard Graduate School of Education

Irvin Leon ScottHarvard Graduate School of Education

Ronald HeifetzHarvard Kennedy School

The Certificate in School Management and Leadership is a must for all leaders. The course uses short video clips and actionable research that is easy to relate to your own school and work. The course helps you to reflect on the changes needed at your school and how to proceed with the changes to ensure an equitable education for all students.”

— Erika T., Assistant PrincipalPasco County, Florida

“Module 1: Foundational Steps of School LeadershipDefine school goals, identify gaps between current and desired performance, and diagnose root causes of those gaps. Learn how to refine your school's vision and goals to engage teachers and staff and guide the implementation of changes to improve performance.

Module 2: Diagnosis for Alignment and ActionExplore the organizational building blocks of schools and understand how they work together as an inter-related system. Drive improvement by generating greater alignment between your school’s strategy, your organizational building blocks, and your resources.

Module 3: Leading InnovationDistinguish between continuous improvement and innovation, identify when innovation is needed and how to create a safe space for innovation to take place.

Module 4: Executing Improvement and InnovationDevelop, implement, and sustain a strategic school transformation process.




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L E A D I N G S C H O O L S T R A T E G Y & I N N O V A T I O N


Leading School Strategy & Innovation is designed to help school leaders develop the skills to take a strategic approach to identifying challenges, analyzing the causes, incorporating innovation, and driving whole school improvement.


"The balance of individual and collaborative work is perfect, the knowledge and wisdom shared by the course instructors is excellent, and each unit provides take-aways that can be immediately put to use."

— Chris A., Academic DeanNewtown Square, Pennsylvania














Leading School Strategy & Innovation Faculty

Pamela MasonHarvard Graduate School of Education

Michael TushmanHarvard Business School

One of my biggest takeaways in that the way I approach my team is very different. I had always looked at leadership as a characteristic of who you are and never looked at it as an activity. It is not so much about who I am, but it’s about how I build that capacity in other people, so they can take the risk to take action.”

— Thea S., Superintendent Randolph, Massachusetts

“Module 1: Schools Where People ThriveImplement specific strategies to cultivate a skilled and motivated staff, ensure staff members are aligned with your school’s vision and objectives, and build shared ownership around your goals.

Module 2: Leaders As ArchitectsLearn how to distribute leadership among staff and across the school community to increase productivity, collaboration, and empowerment.

Module 3: Schools As Learning OrganizationsEstablish a supportive school culture where systems and structures enable all adults to become engaged learners and gain expertise through collective learning and continuous improvement.

Module 4: Communications That Nourish Your PeopleUnderstand the school leader’s role in communicating institutional goals to community stakeholders and identify strategies that can help foster greater buy-in.




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LEAD ING PEOPLE


Leading People provides school leaders with the skills needed to manage and motivate staff, foster continuous improvement, and build leadership capabilities among individuals, groups, and teams throughout the school.

For additional group enrollment information, please contact: Catherine [email protected]

“The most significant improvement that has resulted from my work in the CSML is the total comprehension of what it takes to be a true leader; the running of a business has many parts, its ripeness, its adaptive challenges, but more importantly, that leadership is a practice, and authority does not always have to lead."

— Kristine D., Head of SchoolBuffalo, New York














Leading People Faculty

Deborah Jewell-ShermanHarvard Graduate

School of Education

Amy EdmondsonHarvard Business School

David FubiniHarvard Business School

Monica HigginsHarvard Graduate

School of Education

Susan Moore JohnsonHarvard Graduate

School of Education

I have learned valuable knowledge and insight into what actions lead to a successful school environment. I have a book full of notes and will engage in sharing and collaborating with my admin team. Since starting this program, I have already approached challenges in a more adaptive approach, where there is shared leadership. I also look at our school norms, behaviors and artifacts differently and more in-depth.”

— Michelle H., Assistant Principal Pasco County, Florida

“Module 1: Systems-Wide Alignment for Excellent Teaching & LearningDevelop whole-school systems that align with your instructional vision to support all students.

Module 2: Creating a Strong Instructional & Caring CultureCreate strong data- and action-driven systems and structures focused on students’ academic and character development.

Module 3: Developing Your TeachersDesign professional learning and leadership opportunities to develop teachers and improve teaching and learning.

Module 4: Teaching & Learning Beyond the ClassroomNavigate change in and around your school and empower your teams to meet students’ evolving needs.




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LEAD ING LEARN ING


Leading Learning is designed to help school leaders develop the school structures, systems, supports, and culture that lead to excellent teaching and learning in every classroom, for every student.


“In my educational journey, from an Associate's degree to a Doctoral degree, I have taken four online courses. By far, CSML via HBS Online was the most engaging and beneficial. Aspects like the bundles, testimonies from educators, submissions from experts, and a modern interactive dashboard, made the experience very distinct."

— Sekou S., Teacher Leader Prince George's County, Maryland














Leading Learning Faculty

Deborah Jewell-ShermanHarvard Graduate

School of Education

John Jong-Hyun KimHarvard Business School

Drew EchelsonHarvard Graduate

School of Education

Euvin NaidooHarvard Business School

Richard WeissbourdHarvard Graduate

School of EducationHarvard Kennedy School

Willis EmmonsHarvard Business School

lead a high-performing school

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